Sudbury police arrest 61 people in downtown blitz

More than $76,000 in illicit drugs were seized and 61 people arrested during a recent initiative in downtown Sudbury.

A recent police blitz targeting crime in Sudbury’s downtown core led to the arrest of 61 people and the seizure of $76,800 in illicit drugs.

The targeted enforcement focused on drug trafficking, bail compliance and outstanding arrest warrants was conducted between Feb. 24 and March 7.

“Illicit drugs consisting of fentanyl as well as cocaine have a direct impact on our community safety and obviously have devastating impacts on families and community members,” said Kaitlyn Dunn, of the Greater Sudbury Police Service.

“They also contribute to things like addiction, mental health and homelessness. So, it is one of our main priorities as well as one of the community’s main priorities.”

Throughout the 12-day initiative, officers executed 57 arrest warrants, laid 52 new criminal charges and seized cocaine, fentanyl and meth.

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More than $9,000 in cash was also seized during the blitz.

One downtown business owner who did not want to appear on camera said it would take a lot to clean up the effects of toxic drug crisis.

Police said downtown Sudbury is a high-complaint area for individuals selling illicit drugs, open drug use and unwanted persons.

The service said it has to balance enforcement with individual safety and well-being.

“Individuals suffering from mental health, addiction and homelessness receive harm-reduction information and are connected with (related) services,” Dunn said.

“Whereas individuals trafficking drugs are arrested and charged accordingly.”

Police said they will continue to focus resources on the downtown core targeting illicit drug trafficking, as well as, warrant apprehension and bail compliance as there is often a connection.

“The Greater Sudbury Police Service remains committed to holding offenders accountable by focusing resources on those who pose an elevated risk to the safety, security and wellness of Greater Sudbury,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

“We are dedicated to prevention and risk intervention through the bail compliance and warrant apprehension program, with a strong focus on violent and high-risk offenders.”

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